Common Mistakes When Choosing A Rear Overhead Entertainment Unit

When it's time to replace your rear overhead entertainment unit, you want to find a replacement part that will:

  • Last a long time
  • Not cause any electrical issues with your vehicle
  • Be the proper color, size, and style for your vehicle
  • Fit without any installation issues

This can seem to be a very daunting task. There are so many different replacement parts available. It may not even seem worth it to try to replace your unit at all. Yet, if you consider the most common mistakes when choosing an overhead entertainment unit, you can avoid them. This way, you'll have a much easier time finding the perfect unit for your vehicle.

Here are some of the most common mistakes people make when choosing a replacement unit:

1. Buying A Universal Aftermarket Unit

Installation

There are several instances when it's okay to buy a universal aftermarket part for your vehicle. For example, a steering wheel cover. When it comes to buying a replacement electrical part, never get a universal part. You run the risk of causing electrical issues with your vehicle if you do.

For example, a manufacturer may make its universal units based on the specs of another vehicle. The unit in this particular vehicle may require more power than yours would. So if you install this unit in your vehicle, it'll draw more power than it should. It will cause the battery to drain more quickly than usual. Or, when you start your vehicle in cold weather, the unit may take power away from more important things like the headlights or windshield wipers.

You also have fitment to worry about. A universal aftermarket unit may not fit your vehicle properly. It may not have the correct connectors or dimensions, causing you to drill unnecessary holes in your vehicle when installing it.

Plus, a universal unit won't match your car's interior as well as an OEM part would.

So when you're shopping for a replacement unit, find one that's built to your car's specs. The safest option is to find an OEM replacement unit that's made for your make and model.

2. Not Checking Vehicle Compatibility

Just because two cars share similar features doesn't mean that they also share the same parts. For example, many cars share similar features such as door handles. That doesn't mean that the door handles for these vehicles are interchangeable.

Check the compatibility of a replacement overhead entertainment unit before you buy it. This way, you can ensure that it'll fit properly without any installation issues. Also, be cautious of aftermarket companies that claim that their units are compatible with your vehicle. These claims aren't always true. Your best bet is to buy an OEM unit that's made for your vehicle.

3. Buying A Used Replacement Unit From An Online Marketplace

Online buying

If you're replacing your unit because it doesn't work, you want to make sure that the replacement unit will function properly before you buy it.

Buying a used replacement unit from an online marketplace (such as Craigslist) seems like a great idea in theory. You may save some money, but there's no guarantee that it'll even work. If the part breaks shortly after installation, not only will you lose your money, but you'll also be back at square one.

Plus, buying a used unit puts you at risk of receiving an item that's not as advertised. You may receive the wrong color or wrong style entirely. It's hard to tell if you're not inspecting the part closely during purchase. And there's no way to test it unless you install it in your vehicle.

The best thing to do here is to buy a replacement unit from a reputable company that offers a warranty on its products.

The Bottom Line: Buy An OEM Replacement Unit From A Reputable Company

GMC entertainment unit

Image Credit: MomLuck

If you want to get the most value for your money, get an OEM replacement unit from a reputable company. You can get a brand new entertainment system or a remanufactured unit.

You don't have to look very far because at ISS Automotive, we may have what you need. We sell quality remanufactured OEM replacement units for a variety of makes and models. This one for 2014-2017 GM, Chevrolet, and Cadillac SUVs and trucks is one of our best sellers.

Our team members are knowledgeable about the parts that we offer. If you have any questions or concerns about replacing your unit, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.